Winston Surfshirt: The Unearthed act currently tearing it up on triple j

Posted On Jun 08, 2017

Winston Surfshirt are a name you might want to familiarise yourself with. Not just because they're a pretty nifty band, but if the fact they had the most played song on triple j last week is anything to go by, you'll want to get to know them pretty well since there's a chance you're about to hear a whole lot more of them.

The Sydney six-piece are riding high off the fact that last week, their track 'Ali D', was the most played Aussie song on triple j, with a total of 14 airings. Keep in mind that's the same amount as Foster The People's 'Pay The Man', and one more play than Vince Staples' 'Big Fish’, both highly-respected and well-established artists That's already some pretty impressive company that they're keeping.

So, who are Winston Surfshirt, and why are they suddenly blowing up your speakers? Well firstly, you need to understand that the group aren't exactly new to the scene. Originally starting out as a solo project for group leader Winston Surfshirt, the group has evolved, with the introduction of various other musicians and producers, into the sextet that we know and love today. It’s a group full of talent, which shines through in the deft musicianship that is immensely present in their work so far.

But the group's profile has been rising significantly recently, and that's not a bad thing. Back in April, the group were lucky enough to get the support slot for Midnight Oil's first comeback show, and musical legend Elton John recently picked their track 'Be About You' for his The Rocket Hour show on Beats 1 Radio. Heck, most bands would probably reach those milestones and feel accomplished enough to be able to retire on a high.

But that's not all, the good news has kept on coming for Winston Surfshirt. In addition to all this, the group have not only managed to catch the eye of Aussie label Sweat It Out, but they've also been noticed by a number of US booking agents. Likewise, they've received airplay on an international level from Zane Lowe from Beats 1, and Jason Bentley from KCRW.

Now that the group have released their newest track 'Ali D', their smooth, soulful sounds are being heard by countless triple j listeners, and that's translating to success on a local level for the group too. The group are currently in the middle of a seven-date tour to a number of capital cities, and every date has sold out.

The group are set to release a debut album at some point in the future, so you can be sure that you’ll be hearing a lot more from them. Will this constant airplay they’re seeing right now result in a feature album slot down the line? Well, we can’t say for sure, but judging by the level of hard work they put into everything they do, any success is well-deserved.